Menopause myths, corrected

In November 2025 the FDA began removing those boxed warnings, and the first updated labels were approved in February 2026. A boxed warning about endometrial cancer remains on systemic estrogen-only products, and cardiovascular and breast cancer risks are still described in the label.

In long-term WHI follow-up, estrogen alone (in women who'd had a hysterectomy) lowered breast cancer cases and deaths. Estrogen plus a progestin raised breast cancer cases; the difference in deaths wasn't statistically significant.

The Menopause Society says there's no routine reason to stop at a set age; it's reviewed individually.

At 45 or older with symptoms, it can be diagnosed without lab tests. Hormone levels swing too much for one result to settle it.

Estrogen is erratic, and in cycles where ovulation still happens it can rise across perimenopause. Progesterone tends to fall first.

You can. Fertility can continue into your late 40s or later, and contraception is generally advised until menopause or about age 50–55.

The median is about 7.4 years, and longer for many — especially Black women.

The Menopause Society doesn't recommend them for hot flushes. CBT, hypnosis and several medicines do have evidence.

The Menopause Society says compounded hormones raise safety concerns: minimal regulation, dosing inconsistencies, and no safety or effectiveness data. FDA-approved hormone therapy already includes body-identical estradiol and progesterone.

An estimated 2–5% of postmenopausal women have endometriosis, and guidelines say to avoid estrogen-only hormone therapy in people with an endometriosis history.